Diocese of Erie

Sexually Abused by a priest of the Diocese of Erie? Talk to a lawyer today.

Our law firm is offering free confidential evaluation of clergy sexual abuse claims involving priests of the Diocese of Erie. We have been handling clergy abuse cases for many years. Contact us today at (954) 641-2100 or send an e-mail to adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com to find out if you are eligible for compensation.

The facts are clear: the Diocese of Erie engaged in the coverup of the sexual abuse of children for decades.

The Diocese of Erie has been home to some of the most notorious priests alleged to have committed child sexual abuse. Thanks to a landmark grand jury report, and many brave survivors of clergy abuse in Erie, those facts are now coming to light.

The civil lawsuits that have been filed against the Diocese of Erie and the extensive Grand Jury Report into the practices of the Diocese of Erie have exposed a culture of sexual abuse, cover-up, and efforts by church to protect the reputation of the Diocese of Erie even if it meant putting children in harm’s way. As a result of the Grand Jury’s findings in the Diocese of Erie, Bishop Lawrence Persico finally released the names of more than 60 clergy and laypeople accused of sexual abuse and other misconduct in the Diocese. Most disturbingly, the grand jury found that the former Diocese of Erie Bishop Alfred M. Watson failed to stop many instances of abuse when they were credibly reported to the Diocese of Erie. Because of the statute of limitations in Pennsylvania, those victims are barred from bringing suit against the Diocese.

The Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report reveals mountains of evidence of sexual abuse of minors committed by dozens of priests in the Diocese of Erie. This sexual abuse included grooming and fondling of genitals and/or intimate body parts, as well as penetration of the vagina, mouth, or anus.

The Diocese of Erie has established a voluntary compensation fund for survivors of sexual abuse in Erie, but you must act soon.

Anyone sexually abused by a priest in the Diocese of Erie may now be able to receive financial compensation without undergoing lengthy, protracted litigation in court.

Recently, the Bishop of Erie, Lawrence Persico, announced that the Diocese of Erie has formed a confidential, voluntary compensation settlement fund for victims of sexual abuse by clergy of the Diocese of Erie. The fund, which is modeled after similar funds in New York, will compensate victims in a shorter, more cursory process than full-blown litigation. Kenneth Feinberg, a well-known and respected arbitrator of the New York claims and other high-profile claim funds like the 9/11 Fund, and his business manager, Camille Biros, will review each claim as a neutral third party and award claimants compensation. We have extensive experience handling claims in the New York area and are very familiar with the process and expectations of Mr. Feinberg and Ms. Biros.

There will be a deadline to file your claim with the Diocese of Erie, so it is important that you act today to protect your rights. Contact us today.

We have identified 82 people accused of sexually abusing minors in the Diocese of Erie.

Through our own investigation, we have identified 57 priests publicly accused of sexual misconduct with children in the Diocese of Erie, along with 25 lay employees. The following list of 82 people includes habitual offenders and other priests who allegedly committed abuse. In some cases, priests were alleged to have abused children at multiple parishes and were transferred from assignment to assignment even after the allegations first came to the attention of the Diocese of Erie:

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Erie. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Pennsylvania, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Erie may have legal options, but filing deadlines will apply so please do not delay in reaching out to us.

About Horowitz Law

Adam Horowitz is a nationally acclaimed attorney for victims of sexual abuse. He is known among his peers as an aggressive and passionate advocate. Where there is a client that needs justice, no challenge or obstacle is too great.

Horowitz Law Helps You Go From Abuse Victim to Abuse Survivor
Call: 954-641-2100